The Peabody Awards

Awards

Sensitive production and direction, skillful writing and an outstanding television production. In recognition, a Peabody Award for television entertainment. *One of the most celebrated made-for-TV movies, Brian’s Song dealt with the friendship between NFL star Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and his terminally ill Chicago Bears teammate, Brian Piccolo (James Caan).... read more

At a time when television entertainment appears to be largely a computerized product, hastily dispensed, and quickly forgotten, it is pleasant to honor an exception: the NBC network’s continued emphasis on special dramas which are handsomely produced, skillfully performed, and provide a mature experience for the entire family-in particular: the 1971 productions, All the Way Home, Jane Eyre, The Price, and The Show Goose. In recognition, a Peabody Award to NBC for television entertainment.... read more

The Voice of America communicates the spirit and substance of the United States with imagination and high professional skill. USA Seventy-One and Studio One: The Biography of a Movie exemplify the effective utilization of radio in direct communication with the people of other nations. In recognition of the quality, diversity and scope of Voice of America programming, the George Foster Peabody Award for Promotion of International Understanding.... read more

Thanks to the pioneering leadership of William Smith, the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television has developed a plan to serve all of the people of the state and help them become more knowledgeable and productive citizens, responsive to changing conditions of our society. By this innovative and realistic use of educational television, Mississippi’s educational system has been enhanced and provide with the way to expand and modernize school curricula, to accelerate learning and to equalize education in every... read more

For 26 years, station WWVA has conducted this series in which high school students debate controversial issues. Recorded before student audiences in school assemblies and aired on Sunday afternoons, it provides opportunity for the whole community to become exposed to the varied viewpoints of youth regarding current affairs.... read more

A program produced with understanding and respect for the intelligence of the youthful audience, Make A Wish is a creative mix of animation, film, graphics, words and music that challenges children to stimulate their imagination. The program utilizes these mind-expanding techniques to relate to a child’s frame of reference in an exciting, amusing, informative and entertaining manner. In recognition, a Peabody Award for children’s television. *The singing host was folkie Tom Chapin, brother of Harry.... read more

Arthur Godfrey has long been a national resource in broadcasting like “Old Faithful.” His long and distinguished career in the media began when he was the first to spoof the sponsors on the Dawn Patrol. Arthur Godfrey’s commentary on President Roosevelt’s funeral cortege will forever be regarded as a memorable classic in the history of radio broadcasting and vividly demonstrated his versatile talents. He quickly escalated into the major leagues and pursued a diligent and unceasing quest for... read more

The freedom of written journalism in a democratic society has been affirmed by law, but the similar right of the video journalist is still in jeopardy. Recently, the public air, and television news in particular, has been subjected to surveillance by politicians and has faced the persistent threat of government control. The personal risks in making an honorable stand against such formidable pressures obviously are great. But the stakes are nothing less than the people’s right to know.... read more

Long-time contributor to quality television programming for children and youth, George Heinemann is sensitive to their needs, interests and tastes. Fundamentally a master showman, he also heeds the advice of psychologists, researchers, and educators. He has been responsible for many outstanding NBC Children’s Theatre specials and for such current innovative series as Take a Giant Step and Watch Your Child/The Me Too Show. George Heinemann believes that programs for boys and girls can be both entertaining and constructive... read more

NBC News Far East correspondent John Rich has reported on Asia for two decades. Objective, concise, literate, he has exemplified the finest traditions of American journalism. John Rich has said of himself, “I’m no real authority; I’m a newsman, not an historian.” In fact, he has given us the best of both worlds. In recognition of distinguished service as a radio and television journalist, a dual George Foster Peabody Award for Radio and Television News.... read more

Second Sunday has shown continued exceptional skill and understanding of the use of radio to probe deeply into the social skill and understanding of the use of radio to probe deeply into the social issues of the day and relating them to the audience. It has done this in a manner that creates understanding and motivates action to help solve these problems. Throughout the year, Second Sunday has dealt with issues ranging from world attitudes toward our country... read more

This is an innovative use of television, employing an impromptu format with an accomplished actor and renowned newsman to recreate a discussion of the events leading to the American Revolution. This unique blend of entertainment and information has opened another door to a better understanding of America’s great heritage. In recognition, a Peabody Award for television entertainment. *Peabody-winning CBS newsman Eric Servareid was the reporter; actor Peter Ustinov portrayed Lord North.... read more

Rare fortitude and sensitivity are reflected in WCCO’s radio program, The Heart of the Matter. Dean E.W. Ziebarth, University of Minnesota, underwent critical open-heart surgery. His personal recounting of the details, accompanied by vivid commentary from the victorious medical team in this life and death struggle, has created a unique radio program in the field of cardiovascular disease and treatment. A Peabody Award for an outstanding approach to acquainting Americans with this ever-growing problem.... read more

In broadcasting three related series directed to different audiences and building these programs into a planned campaign against drug abuse, station WQED-TV demonstrated how to secure community involvement in a significant human problem. Making the programs, the plans and the supplementary materials available to other communities throughout the nation further attests to the dedication that went into this noteworthy educational enterprise. In recognition, a Peabody Award for television education.... read more

This program relentlessly exposed the gross inequities of juvenile “injustice” while itself using the tools of investigative reporting with objectivity, balance, and integrity. Effectively documenting the cruel physical inadequacies of juvenile facilities in several areas of the nation, NBC, Martin Carr, and Edwin Newman even more effectively outlined a heartbreaking image of the psychological and spiritual destruction of our children in the toils of justice. The light shed on this dark corner of our world fulfills the highest... read more

Just as the United Nations has worked for world peace, so has Maestro Pablo Casals devoted his unsurpassed talents as cellist, composer and conductor to the promotion of peace and international understanding. Through his music and the force of his personal convictions, Maestro Casals has communicated to the people of the world a new and deeper understanding of the brotherhood of man. His voice and his music have reached millions of people with the message of peace and... read more

Wisconsin on the Move shows what can be done when innovative uses of radio are brought to bear on the means of helping children in the classroom understand current problems. By bringing together outstanding talent, WHA has enabled radio to be the vehicle by which fourth-graders can carry on meaningful discussions of complex events and arrive at both an understanding of the problem as well as possible solutions. For this innovative use of radio, a Peabody Award to... read more